Alternatives to CachyOS
A performance-tuned Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with CPU-optimized packages and a custom kernel. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
CachyOS
A performance-tuned Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with CPU-optimized packages and a custom kernel.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as CachyOS.
Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository.
Garuda Linux is also Arch-based, with a dedicated gaming edition, Chaotic-AUR prebuilt packages and default tweaks, but uses a heavier default desktop instead of CPU-optimized repositories.
Manjaro Linux
An Arch-based rolling-release Linux distribution that aims to make Arch easier to install and use.
Manjaro Linux is Arch-based with staged update branches for choosing stability, but packages arrive later than upstream Arch and it lacks CPU-tuned builds.
Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs.
Bazzite is Fedora-based instead of Arch-based, ships Steam and Lutris preinstalled with HDR and VRR, offers a handheld edition, and allows rolling back updates.
Nobara
A Fedora-based Linux desktop tuned for gaming, streaming and content creation out of the box.
Nobara is Fedora-based with WINE, OBS Studio, codecs and tuned GPU drivers set up from first boot, using graphical updates rather than an Arch rolling release.
Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization.
Pop!_OS is Ubuntu-based from System76, with NVIDIA and hybrid graphics support and full-disk encryption, but its base lags behind rolling distributions like CachyOS.
Drauger OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution tuned for desktop gaming performance.
Drauger OS is Ubuntu-based with an in-house gaming kernel, preinstalled launchers and KDE Plasma, though it is a small project with a large download.
Also worth comparing
These listings name CachyOS as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution with CPU-optimized packages and kernel scheduler choices, aimed at a tuned desktop rather than a console-style Steam interface.
Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.
CachyOS is an open-source Arch-based rolling distribution with CPU-optimized packages and a custom kernel, targeting newer x86-64 CPUs.
Void Linux
An independent rolling-release Linux distribution with its own XBPS package manager and the runit init system.
CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution with CPU-optimized packages and a choice of kernel schedulers, relying on Arch tooling instead of Void's own package manager.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
GameMode
A Linux daemon and library that temporarily applies performance optimisations while a game is running.
Proton
Valve's Wine-based compatibility tool that lets Steam run Windows games on Linux.
Lutris
A Linux gaming platform that installs the right emulator, Wine build or engine for each game and launches them from one place.
Steam
Valve's PC gaming platform and client for buying, installing and playing games, with community features.
MangoHud
A Vulkan and OpenGL overlay for Linux games that shows FPS, temperatures, CPU and GPU load.
